ART

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is pleased to present “Surreal,” which opens on Aug. 2, featuring the work of Bay Area artist Tom Gehrig. The exhibit will also include works by Catherine Moore, Carol Aust, and sculpture by Southern California artist Emily Maddigan. In times when truth is stranger than fiction, and the daily news feels surreal, we look to art for understanding and perspective. Viewers will be delighted by this engaging exhibit of work, a tribute to surreal art. The exhibit is on view through Sept. 1. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com

The Moraga Art Gallery presents “Walk on the Wild Side,” a new exhibit featuring the distinctive, strikingly colorful abstract paintings by member artist Josie Osolin, whose work invariably evokes a sense of energy and passion. Also featured in the show are two guest artists: Jenn Norpchen, specializing in wild, whimsical gourds, reincarnated as birds, frogs, snails and other creatures, and Terry Ow-Wing, an Asian-influenced glass artist whose work has evolved from her background in architecture, photography, and glass blowing. The show will run through Oct. 20. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce presents the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 16 in downtown Lafayette, 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Award-winning art, wine and music festival. Two days, four stages, 20 cover bands, 300+ artists, and KidZones. Food, wine, and beer. Free admission. For more info see http://www.lafayettefestival.com or call (925) 284-7404 or email info@lafayettefestival.com.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art (SMCMoA) and the California Watercolor Association (CWA) present “The Color of Summer.” Fifty new works are on view reflecting the member artists’ charge to capture their visions of summer. CWA is one of the largest and most active watermedia organizations in the nation with a mission to create, foster, and sustain artistic growth and interest in watermedia. This exhibition includes a series of events such as plein air painting, live demonstrations, and lessons for youth. The exhibition runs through Aug. 26.

MUSIC

TLC Trio performs bringing a musical mixture from artists like Ray Charles, Leon Russell, Stevie Wonder, as well as smooth grooves from Marvin Gaye and Van Morrison. Thomas Suczek on piano, Marc Levine on bass, with Chris Cole on vocals from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way in Orinda. These musicians cover a lot of territory with superb musicianship, vocals and showmanship. (925) 254-0769, smumcorinda@gmail.com. Suggested donation of $20.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Lawrence Kohl, presents “Mozart: The Grandeur” with Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony and his “Haffner” serenade with Igor Veligan as Violin soloist. Performances will be in the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15; and in the Bankhead Theater in Livermore at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. Enjoy how Mozart simultaneously pours forth beautiful music entwined with the complexities of human emotions. Tickets are available at PacificChamberOrchestra.org.

THEATER

California Shakespeare Theater presents the company debut of “The War of the Roses” – a monumental evening of theater spanning four history plays: the Henry VI trilogy and Richard III. Presented as an action-packed evening, “The War of the Roses” will deliver a fast-paced, far-ranging, vividly theatrical depiction of two powerful families—the Lancasters and the Yorks—and their decades-long fight for the English throne. Political unrest and power grabs collide with weak leadership and civil strife as the country fights against the threat of tyranny. The show runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 9. Tickets are $20 and are available through the California Shakespeare Theater Box Office, 701 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 548-9666, online at www.calshakes.org, or at the Bruns box office on the day of the performance (pending availability).

The 21st Annual CAIFF California Independent Film Festival opens Friday, Aug. 24 at the Rheem Theatre in Moraga and will run through Aug. 30 at both the Orinda and the Rheem theatres showing shorts, comedies, international films, dramas and documentaries. Tickets and the entire schedule available at caiff.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

KPFA Radio 94.1 FM presents Martha Nussbaum: The Monarchy of Fear from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 23 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Berkeley. Martha Nussbaum will discuss her new book, “The Monarchy of Fear,” answer questions and sign books. Hosted by C.S. Soong. Cost: $12 advance, $15 door. For more info see http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3477398 or call (510) 967-4495.

Discovering Opera: Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio, presented by Bradford Wade, opera lover for 40 years from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the Arts and Science Room, Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Pirates have captured Konstanze and her maid Blonde, and delivered them to the Pasha Selim. The Pasha attempts to win the affections of Konstanze; Osmin, the chief of the palace guard, tries to force himself on Blonde. Can the women’s lovers Belmonte and Pedrillo rescue them from the harem? Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of the opera, with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San Jose’s production of The Abduction from the Seraglio, Sept. 15-30. Free.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Mindful Littles Workshop: Exploring Awe and Wonder from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Atma Yoga Studio, 99 Brookwood Rd. Orinda. Awe and Wonder is a magical element of our Universe. When we can tune into it, we practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment and focusing on something greater than ourselves. During this beautiful workshop, kids will get to experience interactive group discussions and storytelling, practice playful yoga and mindfulness, and do creative projects to explore what it means to discover awe and wonder in their everyday lives. Open to kids: age K-5th grade. $30. Register at Atma Yoga Studio: https://www.atma.studio/

OTHER

Documentary “Child, Disrupted” coming to CAIFF - The California Independent Film Festival will be hosting the world premiere one-time screening of the new documentary “Child, Disrupted” at The Rheem Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 30. “Child, Disrupted” features interviews with experts in the fields of neuroscience, occupational therapy, addiction, psychology and sociology, to uncover the reality behind fears about the effects of screen time on children.

The Orinda Park and Rec Foundation is holding its first Run on the Wilder Side at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 3 at the Wilder Development, a 5 k and a 1-mile run/walk. The course will extend through the Wilder Development. The Foundation is raising money to fund the renewal of the Community Center Park in downtown Orinda. Register at www.oprfoundation.org

Don’t miss the 14th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show Weekend: “Dancing with the Cars.” Pre-party, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7; Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. Enter your car and buy party tickets today at www.OrindaCarShow.com. These events benefit the Seniors Around Town transportation program, Educational Foundation of Orinda and other local charities.
 
SENIORS

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center in collaboration with Connected Horse is offering Equine Assisted Workshops for people with early stage dementia and their care partners. No prior horse experience needed to participate. Participants will be engaging with horses from the ground, no riding. Session 4 - 9:30 a.m. to noon on Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26. If interested in participating, please contact (925) 377.0871; info@xenophontrc.org. Free.

A Matter of Balance, presented by Lamorinda Village and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, is an 8-week program for those who are experiencing concerns about falling. Held at LOPC, 49 Knox Dr, Lafayette, the program begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 14. Registration is required. Fee is $25 and includes materials and refreshments. Call (925) 283-3500 to register or go online: https://lamorinda.helpfulvillage.com/events

BE! Brain Enrichment is an interactive educational experience for adults with normal age-related memory changes. Presented by Lamorinda Village and Eldercare Services, the program begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17 for eight weeks. Held at Eldercare Services, 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. Registration is required. Fee is $40 for Village members, $60 for nonmembers. Includes materials and refreshments. Call (925) 283-3500 to register or go online: https://lamorinda.helpfulvillage.com/events

GARDEN

Healthy Meals/Healthy City on a Budget: The September program of the Walnut Creek Garden Club features Cindy Gershen, chef, teacher, and founder of Sunrise Bistro who created a remarkable, sustainable Hospitality Program at Mt. Diablo High School.   Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. 9:45 a.m. - Business Meeting; 10:30 - Social; 11 Program on Sept. 10. We invite you to attend a meeting. Questions: mslittle44@gmail.com